Burglary

Being burgled is often a traumatic time for the person that it happens to. It feels like an invasion of privacy to have complete stranger(s) rifling through your belongings and taking whatever they see fit as theirs. Good security will reduce the chance of your home being burgled. But in case the worst happens, think now about how you would deal with the situation.

If you're in the house and you hear a burglar, how you react will be a personal choice and might depend on the situation – for example, whether you’re alone or not. You could make a noise and hope it scares the burglar off, or you might prefer to keep quiet and hope the burglar doesn’t come into the room you’re in.

Many people now have a phone in their bedroom. But even if you do, take your mobile phone to bed with you. If someone breaks in, you can use it to call the police even if they’ve disconnected your normal phone.

If you get home and notice signs of a break in:

Don’t go in or shout as the burglar could still be inside

Go to a neighbour’s to call the police. If you think the burglar is still inside, let the police know

Don’t touch anything! You could destroy valuable evidence.

What you should do if you are burgled

After being burgled you should:

Phone the police immediately and give them all the information you know regarding the crime

Identify what items have been stolen including make, model, and serial number or other identifying marks and record these details

Don’t touch anything! You could destroy valuable evidence.

What will the police do?

As a force, Cheshire Police promise you that we will:

Visit you as soon as possible

Listen and respond sympathetically

Conduct a thorough investigation taking all reasonable steps to try and recover your property and arrest those responsible

Make house to house enquiries and warn neighbours that a burglary has occurred in the area

Conduct a crime scene investigation, preserve and recover evidence

Provide you with a crime reference number, a contact name and telephone number

With your permission, conduct a security Assessment of your home and provide you with crime prevention advice which includes a free property marking kit

Ensure that a referral is made to other appropriate agencies where further support is needed

Provide you with a Victim of Crime leaflet and with your consent refer your case to Victim Support.